By Lisa Abraham.Congratulations to Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani! In addition to managing Al Rayyan Farm, Sheikh Hamad recently returned as Al Shaqab's Breeding and Show Manager, a position he held most of the time during his varied equine career. For those who have known Sheikh Hamad, his return comes as no surprise. Under his direction, Al Shaqab Stud became one of the most important and influential breeding programs in the world.

In 2015, Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani, of Al Rayyan Farm, arrived at the US Egyptian Event, in Lexington, Kentucky, with a string of beautiful, world class straight Egyptian competitors. That year, not only did he sweep up all the ribbons, but also, after time away from the competition ring, he won the hearts of the American Egyptian community. It was also at this show where he and I struck up both a friendship and working relationship. When Sheikh Hamad invited me to attend the 2016 Qatar International Arabian Horse Show and the Al Rayyan presentation of horses, I was thrilled with the opportunity to make a contribution. As my research began, I found that much like the Arab culture, the history of Al Rayyan Farm was

Qatar International Arabian Horse Show and International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show: 2016 By Lisa Abraham &nbsp; On March 11 through the 13 th , 2016, the 25 th Qatar International Arabian Horse Show took place, followed by the 6 th Qatar International Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, on the 14 th and 15 th . It was five days of exciting competition and warm Arabian hospitality and comradery. Although the show was enjoyed by a prestigious international gathering, it was the enthusiasm of the Qatari breeders and fans that made the show memorable. To experience a horse event in Qatar is a privilege, as the horse has occupied a treasured role in the history of the country. In an article titled &ldquo;Al Shaqab&mdash;Galloping

Directly following the Qatar International Show in Doha, on March 13-14, 2017, took place an Arabian Horse National Judge Course. It was sponsored by Sheikh Hamad bin Ali Al Thani and Al Shaqab Stud with the cooperation of the Doha Racing & Equestrian Club. The Arabian Horse National Judge Courses are designed as a first step for those who are interested in judging Arabian horses at the level of National. The esteemed instructors of the course were ECAHO Class A Judges: Claudia Darius (DEU), Marianne Tengstedt (DKN) and Mohamed Machmoum (MAR). This two day course included: classroom lectures which covered several topics such as International scoring systems, categories of evaluation and conformation; field exercises where live horses were scored; and finally, individual testing in which the instructors evaluated the overall knowledge of the participants.

Fall was in the air as the colors of the season were beginning to appear and the heat of the summer was replaced with a cool, comfortable breeze. It was a perfect day on September 21, 2016 when Judith Forbis and I visited Dr. Hans Nagel at his Katharinenhof Stud in Northern Germany. Our visit took place just days before the All Nations Cup was to be held in Aachen where Judith, long known for her Ansata Arabian Stud and various educational activities, was to be recognized as the first person to receive the All Nations Cup Lifetime Achievement Award. After spending time walking around the stables and looking at all of Dr. Nagel’s horses, including the latest foal crop, we relaxed in the sitting room at the farm’s charming cottage. Although I have enjoyed personal friendships with both Dr. Nagel and Judith, it was an honor to experience them together in this lovely and informal setting as they shared precious memories of their influential past.

The 2017 Qatar International Arabian Horse Show By Lisa Abraham The 2017 Qatar International Arabian Horse Show, which celebrated its 26th edition, was a not only a great horse show, but also one which showcased the warm Qatari hospitality and their unbridled enthusiasm for the Arabian horse. Although the spirit was heightened in the International competition, which took place from March 10th-12 th , all the Qatar shows are a healthy combination of important competition and a reunion of respected and often lifelong friendships and mentorships. Despite the actual winners, the energy was infectious as everyone seemed happy for one another. Naturally, the International show draws competitors and enthusiasts

By Lisa Abraham. The 2016 Qatar National Arabian Horse Show, took place in the capital city of Doha, from December 9-10. The show, which celebrated its 19th edition, is organized annually by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC). Issa Bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, the Committee Chairman of QREC, stated, “We thank purebred Arabian horse owners, studs, farms and stables for their efforts and care for the breed of purebred Arabians. This year, the show sees an increase in the number of participating horses, demonstrating the growing attention paid by horse owners to show horses and their interest in owning top horses and improving the performance of their existing horses. We, at QREC, strive and dedicate our collaborative efforts to further promote the standing of Qatar’s equestrian sport with all its disciplines and particularly those related to purebred Arabian horses on both the Arab and world arenas.”

The 2016 All Nations Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses Text and photos by Lisa Abraham &nbsp; The 2016 All Nations Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses, which took place from September 23-25, was a spectacular show and event. &nbsp;After the busy show season of summer, the competition elevates at the All Nations Cup (ANC), as this show is the first leg of the European Triple Crown. It is here that the farms choose who will represent them&mdash;and all stops are pulled. Once again, all festivities took place in the Albert-Vahle-Halle, located in the heart of the charming German city of Aachen. Although the arena provided an intimate atmosphere and is functional for showing horses, the spectacular d&eacute;cor of the

The 2017 Arabian Breeders World Cup: VEGAS! By Lisa Abraham The 2017 Arabian Breeders World Cup (ABWC), which took place from April 12 th -15, was another spectacular show and exceeded all expectations one would have of a thrilling Las Vegas venue. Just as Las Vegas is one of the most exciting cities in the world—the ABWC is one of the most glamorous shows on the planet. In its eleventh edition, it also celebrated the prestigious status as one of the world’s most important Arabian horse competitions as many of our most prominent breeders attend along with their top horses. The South Point Hotel and Casino has been the home to the ABWC since the beginning. It is a unique locale as show participants and guests can stay

The 2017 Salon Du Cheval D'El Jadida By Lisa Abraham ~with three FULL SIZED photo galleries (links at end) The 2017 Salon Du Cheval D'El Jadida, which took place from October 16-22 nd , marks the tenth edition of this outstanding event. Organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, over 220,000 visitors from all over the world enjoyed Morocco's rich equine heritage. As this was the Salon's decennial anniversary, the theme of this year's edition was "Ten Years of Pride and Passion." In his Word from the President , His Majesty Prince Moulay Abdelllah Alaoui wrote, "According to many observers, the challenge of making this an important, attractive, prestigious and internationally renowned